EDSB and Siemens protect major new UK retail warehouse

The facility in Warrington has witnessed circa 1,000 devices installed to protect the 81,570 m² logistics warehouse area and its ancillary offices. Given the scale of the warehouse, which features high ceilings extending up to 43 metres at the highest point, the detection system needed to provide comprehensive coverage across the entire space.

EDSB’s solution includes air sampling with low-level test points and pipe runs exceeding 200 metres, ensuring the system can accurately detect fires without interference from environmental conditions.

Before stepping foot on-site, EDSB’s in-house design team was tasked with creating for the project a BS 5839 Part 1 compliant system aligned with the Category L1/P1 standards.

Given the building’s complexity (including multiple mezzanine levels, cold storage areas, aerosol and battery storage, automated racking systems and communications rooms) the design required a range of detection technologies tailored to each area’s specific needs and environmental conditions.

Proposed combination

Working alongside Siemens, and after reviewing the 3D BIM models, specifications and fire strategy information, EDSB proposed a combination of air sampling systems, infrared linear beams, multi-sensor detectors, triple infrared flame detectors and gas suppression systems to ensure comprehensive coverage and compliance.

One of the main focuses of the brief was to develop a zero-false alarm system, given the considerable costs associated with four-hour halts in production that could arise from any unnecessary shutdowns. In consultation with Siemens, a solution was designed to include a hybrid fire detection system capable of identifying environmental factors such as dust, smoke and exhaust fumes that could trigger false alarms.

Also central to the fire safety considerations was the high ceiling space, which presented a particular challenge for traditional smoke detection: ‘stratification’ was identified as an issue whereby the smoke plume generated by a fire cools as it rises, often resulting in it having insufficient buoyancy to reach the roof and activate detectors.

This issue was overcome by using Siemens Aspirating Smoke Detection, with the first stage of the installation process undertaken once the roof structure was in place. EDSB installed pipework and air sampling units in strategic positions across the warehouse to cover all areas, including the high ceiling zones.

Following installation, the entire system was tested and calibrated to ensure optimal performance.

Phased works

Another challenging factor in the project was the need to undertake phased works, which operated in parallel with the warehouse construction. Several planning meetings took place to fully understand the site conditions and construction schedule. These meetings were crucial in ensuring that the installation would proceed smoothly alongside the building’s construction.

Both the EDSB and Siemens teams, as well as the construction managers, worked together to align on the scope, timeline and logistics of the project. Potential challenges such as access points and space constraints were identified and strategies put in place to prevent delays later on in the project.

Geoff Wain, senior project manager at EDSB, commented: “This project has been a co-ordinated effort from the design stage through to installation and commissioning, primarily using in-house engineers. A dedicated site project engineer handled daily communication with our client to ensure that the phased works were completed on time, delivering the project to the end client. The high standard of workmanship across the site is testament to all those involved.”

Alistair Lyon, EDSB’s install leader on the project, explained: “I believe what we have achieved is something that should be celebrated. This has been a long, challenging and complex installation and we’ve delivered an end product that we can all look back on and say we’re proud to have been a part of it.”

Building management

The facility has a Desigo CC building management head end, which is able to display the information relating to the fire system and allows operators to visualise it.

Desigo CC is also used on-site to manage the HVAC systems, meaning that all of the building operation data can be viewed via a single interface. This leads to operational and energy efficiency savings. The on-site computerised maintenance management system is integrated into Desigo CC, with its open architecture allowing that integration to happen.

Siemens’ business development manager John Fennah stated: “At Siemens, we always strive to work closely with our partners. This application is an excellent example of how such an approach can achieve the best solution. By understanding and addressing the specific challenges presented by this warehouse, EDSB was able to match the appropriate technology with the different requirements, arriving at an integrated system which optimises fire safety, while also effectively managing the HVAC.”

In total, the site comprises nine networked Siemens fire panels, 34 Siemens aspirator panels and more than 30 high-level Siemens beam detectors. The warehouse is equipped with 200 interfaces that control various shutdowns and integrate with third party systems. Special care was taken to ensure the system provides comprehensive coverage.

*For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure (Buildings) visit www.siemens.co.uk/cerberus

**Additional detail concerning Siemens Smart Infrastructure is available at www.siemens.com/smart-infrastructure